Hailsham man fined for racist outbursts

A Hailsham man has been fined for racial abuse for the second time in just three months.

Allan Morris, 38, of Fletcher Close, Hailsham was arrested following a dispute with staff at Piri Piri Express in Eastbourne.

He racially abused the manager and a customer at the shop on Seaside Road at 8pm on Tuesday 1 July.

Morris pleaded guilty to two counts of racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

He received a fine of £100 and was ordered to pay £50 compensation to each victim as well as a £60 victim surcharge.

He was also placed under an alcohol treatment requirement for six months and a community order with a supervision requirement after appearing at Hastings Magistrates Court on 5 August.

Morris was fined in May for racially abusing an off-duty security guard who was catching a bus in Terminus Road, Eastbourne. Morris racially abused the Asian man when he said he did not have any change. He pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and was fined £100 plus a £20 victim surcharge.

Sergeant Peter Allan, the force’s hate crime sergeant said, “I am pleased Morris has been sentenced for the racially aggravated words he used against the two men in the takeaway on that night.

“This sentence sends out a clear signal that we will take a robust approach to those who target individuals based on their race, disability, gender identity, religion or sexual orientation.

“I hope this case will encourage other victims of hate crime to report such behaviour to the police.”

Sussex Police takes all reports of hate crime extremely seriously. If you are experiencing any form of hate crime you should contact us by calling 01273 470101, or 999 in an emergency.